South Dakota
Physical Education Teacher Programs

(found programs from 4 schools)

Today's parents are busier than ever, with many households having single parents or two working parents. For that reason, it is more important than ever for South Dakota schools to provide students with everything they need to prepare for adulthood.

For many kids, school is the only time they have to focus on academics, socialize with friends, and stay active. Physical activity is important for kids of all ages, from elementary school kids who don't need prompting to high school kids who would rather play on their phones.

As a physical education teacher in South Dakota, you can help kids get and stay healthy.

Role of Educators with a Physical Education Degree in South Dakota

Wondering if a career in physical education is right for you? Local schools are ready to help you reach your potential.

Contact South Dakota schools below to learn more about earning a degree in physical education.

The field of physical education is surprisingly complex, with teaching standards devoted specifically to the challenges of this field. According to the South Dakota Department of Education, physical education teachers are judged in several specific areas.

The South Dakota Standards and Grade-Level Outcomes for K-12 of Physical Education outline what skills teachers should bring to their classes. They include high levels of student engagement, motor skill competency, health-related fitness, student autonomy in activity selection, and maintenance of physical activity levels past the age of 14.

This is the time to find out how you can contribute to the field of education.

Check out South Dakota schools below and contact those that interest you.

Getting Your Physical Education Degree in South Dakota

So, you've decided to take the plunge and explore the world of education. You are in good company. More and more teachers are realizing the value of physical education in schools, leading schools all over the country to implement strict standards regarding physical education.

To effectively contribute to your school district, you need to have a broad set of skills that you can bring to the table. For many students, this can be accomplished with a Bachelor's degree in physical education.

These four-year programs focus on preparing students for the licensing process and giving them the core theories and hands-on skills they need to work with students of all ages. By the time you graduate, you should have at least 120 credits. Many of these credits come from theory courses, but hands-on experience is also a major priority in education.

By going through multiple rotations at local schools, you can put theory to work and learn how to grow as a teacher.

PE Teaching Degrees: South Dakota Course Options

K-8 Physical Education Methods

Exercise Physiology

Professional Preparation in Fitness

Professional Preparation in Individual/Dual Activities

Professional Preparation in Team Activities

Adapted Physical Education

Prevention & Care of Athletic Injuries

Motor Learning and Development

7-12 Methods of Teaching PE

Educational Assessment

Foundations of American Education

Child/Adolescent Development and Learning

By studying a school's learning outcomes, you can learn more about the competencies they expect students to develop and how they plan on helping you reach these goals.

South Dakota schools tend to concentrate on knowledge of interscholastic sports, the development of positive attitudes toward physical activity, the promotion of healthy lifestyles, and the ability to teach fundamental motor skills.

You can really find out how much you've grown when you get your student teaching assignment. To qualify for certification in South Dakota, you need to complete a semester of student teaching before you graduate. At one or more local schools, you take on the duties of a full-time teacher, which involves creating curricula, running classes, assessing students, communicating with parents, and meeting deadlines and teaching goals.

Working with a Physical Education Degree in South Dakota

When you complete your physical education degree, you can take the next step in the licensing process. Through the South Dakota Department of Education, you can take the required Praxis II tests. Physical education graduates must pass the K-12 Comprehensive School Health Education test and the K-12 Physical Education exam.

Whether you want to teach in elementary or high school, you may find that the field of education is growing steadily in South Dakota. By the year 2024, job openings for elementary school teachers may swell 5% (O*Net, 2016). At the same time, demand for secondary school teachers is expected to swell at the same rate (O*Net, 2016).

Salaries in South Dakota are in line with national averages. The average income for an elementary school teacher is $42,510 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2016). On average, secondary school teachers earn $43,530 annually (BLS, 2016).

Are you ready to learn how to become a physical education teacher and change the lives of South Dakota students?

If you are ready to take the next step, compare South Dakota teacher training programs below and request information from programs near you.